The only name that repeatedly came up was that of former elections supervisor Kurt Browning, a Democrat-turned-Republican who left the county to serve in Charlie Crist's administration. After he retired from the state, many observers pegged Browning — a friend of School Board vice chairman Allen Altman and ousted assistant superintendent Ray Gadd — as the likely standard bearer.

So now Pasco County enters 2011 asking the question anew: Who, if anyone, will run against Fiorentino, who has stated her intent to seek a third term?

Sure, the election is more than a year away. But think about it. To challenge Fiorentino, who has been in the public eye winning elections for decades without much scandal attached to her name, a challenger would need strong name recognition, a great reputation, solid backing and money.

Browning fit that definition. So, too, do a handful of other people in the county. But many have laughingly dismissed the notion of running (at least for now). It's never too early for speculation in politics. So let's hear it. Is anyone out there going to become a valid competitor for incumbent Fiorentino? Or is she becoming a shoo-in for another term?

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.